Dark Circle Care Guide: 4 Types of Dark Circles, 8 Expert Care Tips, and 8 Recommended Eye Creams for 2025

Dark circles are one of the most common eye concerns people deal with on a daily basis. From bluish-purple vascular dark circles to brownish pigmentation-related ones, they can make you look tired, dull, and older than you actually are. While many people assume dark circles are simply caused by lack of sleep, the reality is far more complex.

In this guide, we break down the 9 key causes and 4 major types of dark circles, share targeted improvement strategies, and—at the end—reveal exclusive eye treatment offers you will not want to miss.

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What Are Dark Circles?

Dark circles refer to the appearance of darkness or shadowing beneath the eyes. They often make the face look fatigued and less refreshed, and are a common aesthetic concern for many people. Contrary to popular belief, dark circles are not always black in colour—depending on their cause, they may appear bluish-purple, brown, or deep grey.

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Why Do “Panda Eyes” Make You Look So Tired? Understanding the 9 Main Causes of Dark Circles

Dark circles are caused by a combination of factors—not just sleep deprivation. Understanding the root cause is key to improving them effectively.

1. Genetic Predisposition

Genetics play a significant role. If dark circles run in your family, you may naturally have thinner under-eye skin or deeper pigmentation, making blood vessels and pigment more visible. This type of dark circle requires extra attention to sun protection and brightening ingredients.

2. Chronic Sleep Deprivation

Lack of sleep causes under-eye blood vessels to dilate and slows circulation, leading to blood pooling beneath the eyes. This results in bluish or purplish vascular dark circles—the most common and most lifestyle-related type.

3. Dryness and Skin Ageing

As collagen levels decline with age, the under-eye skin becomes thinner and looser. This makes blood vessels and orbital bone structure more visible, visually deepening dark circles—especially when combined with eye bags or tear troughs.

4. Excessive Rubbing or Friction

Frequent eye rubbing or harsh makeup removal can trigger inflammation and pigment production, leading to pigmentation-type dark circles. This is a commonly overlooked cause.

5. Excessive Sun Exposure

UV rays stimulate melanin production. Because under-eye skin is extremely delicate, inadequate sun protection can worsen pigmentation-based dark circles significantly.

6. Nasal Allergies

Allergic rhinitis or dermatitis can cause inflammation and dilation of under-eye blood vessels, resulting in vascular dark circles. Treating the underlying allergy is often necessary for lasting improvement.

7. Poor Blood Circulation

Eye strain, high-sodium diets, and certain health conditions can impair circulation, leading to dark circles, eye bags, and puffiness.

8. Kidney Deficiency (TCM Perspective)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, dark circles are associated with kidney deficiency, which affects circulation and vitality. This type typically appears darker and may require internal body regulation.

9. Structural Hollowness

Tear troughs, sunken eye sockets, or prominent eye bags can cast shadows under the eyes. This is known as structural dark circles—a visual effect rather than pigmentation—and usually requires aesthetic treatments rather than skincare alone.

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Which Type of Dark Circles Do You Have? A Quick Guide to the 4 Main Types

Dark circles are not a single condition. Identifying your type helps you choose the right solution.

Type 1: Pigmentation Dark Circles

Typically brown or coffee-coloured, caused by melanin accumulation. Gently stretch the under-eye skin—if the darkness does not fade, it is likely pigmentation-related. Common causes include genetics, sun exposure, inflammation, and friction.

Type 2: Vascular Dark Circles

Bluish or purplish in tone due to visible blood vessels beneath thin skin. Pressing lightly under the eye may temporarily lighten the colour. Causes include poor circulation, allergies, and eye strain.

Type 3: Structural Dark Circles

Caused by shadows from tear troughs, eye bags, or deep-set eye sockets. The appearance changes with lighting and cannot be effectively improved with skincare alone.

Type 4: Mixed Dark Circles

The most common type. A combination of two or more types—such as vascular dark circles from lack of sleep and pigmentation from rubbing—explains why sleep alone often does not fully resolve the issue.

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Say Goodbye to Panda Eyes: 8 Expert-Recommended Care Tips

Improving dark circles requires both lifestyle changes and proper skincare.

1. Cold Compress

Helps constrict blood vessels and reduce bluish vascular dark circles. Use chilled spoons or cooling eye masks to relieve puffiness.

2. Get Enough Sleep

Adequate, high-quality sleep (7–8 hours) is essential for all dark circle types and is the most effective first step.

3. Give Your Eyes Regular Breaks

Excessive screen time strains the eyes. Rest them every 20–30 minutes by looking into the distance or closing your eyes briefly.

4. Sun Protection

UV exposure worsens pigmentation dark circles. Use sunscreen or wear sunglasses daily—especially important for hereditary and pigmentation-related cases.

5. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration makes the under-eye area look dull and dark. Drinking enough water improves circulation and skin brightness.

6. Increase Vitamin C Intake

Vitamin C helps inhibit melanin production and supports skin brightness. Consume citrus fruits, kiwi, and leafy greens regularly.

7. Use Brightening Eye Products

Eye creams containing vitamin C or niacinamide help fade pigmentation. Always apply gently to avoid friction.

8. Warm Compress and Massage

Warmth promotes circulation, improving vascular dark circles. Combine with gentle massage to relax the eye area and improve blood flow.

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8 Recommended Eye Acupressure Points

Use your ring finger to gently press or massage in circular motions.

1. Jingming (BL-1): Inner eye corner—relieves eye fatigue
2. Zanzhu (BL-2): Inner brow—reduces eye strain
3. Yuyao: Middle of eyebrow—relaxes eye muscles
4. Sizhukong (SJ-23): Outer brow—eases fatigue
5. Taiyang: Temple—relieves headaches and eye strain
6. Tongziliao (GB-1): Outer eye corner—improves circulation
7. Chengqi (ST-1): Below the eye—boosts blood flow
8. Sibai (ST-2): Under-eye centre—brightens the eye area

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8 Recommended Eye Creams for Dark Circles (2025)

Eye creams improve—but do not completely eliminate—dark circles. Below are eight well-reviewed options:

1. Olay Regenerist Peptide Eye Cream (Red Gold): Boosts collagen production; ideal for ageing-related structural dark circles.
2. L:A Bruket Red Algae Firming Eye Cream: Red algae and caffeine improve circulation and reduce puffiness.
3. Guerlain Abeille Royale Eye Cream: Royal jelly supports skin repair and firmness, improving tear trough shadows.
4. Evolcare Shea Butter Firming Eye Cream: Deep hydration strengthens thin under-eye skin.
5. Sulwhasoo Timetreasure Eye Cream: Ginseng-based formula improves circulation and brightness.
6. Clarins Total Eye Revive: Plant extracts support microcirculation; lightweight and refreshing.
7. L’Oréal Hyaluronic Acid Eye Serum-Cream: Intense hydration smooths fine lines caused by dryness.
8. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Eye Cream: Vitamin B5 and centella soothe sensitive, compromised skin.

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Want to Improve Dark Circles Without Injectables? Try the R6 Miracle Eye Rescue Treatment

The Perfect Medical R6 Miracle Eye Rescue Treatment uses three levels of radiofrequency energy to tighten superficial, mid, and deep layers of the eye area. It boosts microcirculation, breaks down excess fat, and addresses eye bags, dark circles, and fine lines in one treatment.

Unlike surgery, it is non-invasive, painless, and requires no downtime, making it ideal for busy urban women. Simply register via the link below to experience the R6 treatment—no more relying on eye cream alone.